Does the past have a future
Ely Cathedral - how can we protect our built heritage and make it work for us in the future?
Two speakers addressed the College of Estate Management's Annual Alumni CPD Event on February 14.
English Heritage Commissioner, Jane Kennedy, explained that our built heritage contributes £4.3 billion to GDP, and yet our national heritage isn't given high priority politically. English Heritage itself has taken a 34% budget cut under the present government. She outlined three steps to securing a future for our past: by telling a bigger and more powerful story about our heritage and its assets; by ensuring we have the best possible heritage protection system; and by using heritage to drive regeneration.
"We care about heritage not because we live in the past, but because we love the present and we care about the best future."
The second speaker, Douglas Kent, Technical and Research Director with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), discussed SPAB's research into traditional buildings (pre-1919) which focuses on U-values, building performance surveys and hygrothermal modelling.
One of the reasons for the research is to avoid the potential pitfalls of 'greening up' the built environment, particularly with the launch of the government's new Green Deal. For example, SPAB's research found that in traditional buildings, U-values are underestimated in 77% of cases. That means the majority of walls in traditional buildings are more energy efficient than SAP ratings and commercial U-value software indicate. He suggested that we need continuing high-quality research to reduce carbon emissions in our traditional buildings – which account for around a quarter of our building stock.
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.